Nam-lin Hur

Nam-lin Hur is a Professor of History of Japan and Religious Culture in the Department of Asian Studies within the Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia. His office is located in the Asian Centre (Room 213), and he can be reached via email at namlin.hur@ubc.ca or by phone at 604 822 5191. Professor Hur specializes in premodern Japanese history, Korean-Japanese relations, and Chosŏn Korea, with research focusing on foreign relations, religion, and society in premodern Japan and Korea.

Professor Hur received his Ph.D. in East Asian Religions from Princeton University, following Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Religious Studies from Seoul National University. His educational background has provided him with a strong foundation for examining religious and cultural dynamics in East Asian history.

Professor Hur's research interests encompass early modern Japanese history, Japanese Buddhism, international relations in premodern East Asia, Chosŏn Korea, Korean Buddhism, traditional Korean culture, and Korea-Japan relations. His scholarly work demonstrates a particular focus on religious practices, diplomatic encounters, and the complex relationship between Korea and Japan throughout history. He examines how religious institutions interacted with political power, particularly during periods of conflict and cultural exchange.

His publication record reveals a consistent scholarly trajectory examining religious culture, particularly Buddhism, within the context of East Asian international relations. His recent works have increasingly focused on the Imjin War period (1592-1598), Buddhist political activism, and cultural exchanges between Korea and Japan. His publications span multiple languages and appear in prestigious journals across East Asian studies, religious studies, and historical disciplines.

Professor Hur currently supervises graduate students in areas related to early modern Japanese history, Japanese Buddhism, international relations in premodern East Asia, Chosŏn Korea, Korean Buddhism, traditional Korean culture, and Korea-Japan relations. His two current monograph projects focus on 'Japan's Invasion of Korea in Premodern East Asia, 1592-98' and 'Kaichō and Religious Culture in Early Modern Japan,' continuing his longstanding interest in religious practices and Korea-Japan historical relations.